Government backs Caster Semenya as IAAF mulls testosterone issue again
The IAAF rejected the “biological male” claims but added that they still want the Court of Arbitration for Sport to rule on how athletes with differences in sexual development should be treated
The government is standing firm behind Caster Semenya after a news report claimed that International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) lawyers will argue that the world and Olympic 800m champion should be classified as female but also as a “biological male” at a landmark case to be heard next week. The IAAF rejected the “biological male” claims but added that they still want the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) to rule whether any athlete with differences in sexual development (DSD) must have their testosterone reduced to female levels before they compete internationally. Semenya is challenging the proposed rule by the IAAF that seeks to restrict the levels of testosterone in female athletes and the sports minister’s spokesperson Vuyo Mhaga told TimesLIVE on Thursday that they are fully behind her. “We have noted the news that has broken out over the past 24 hours but we want to reiterate our support for Caster,” said Mhaga. “Our stance has always been that someone lik...
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Subscribe now to unlock this article.
Support BusinessLIVE’s award-winning journalism for R129 per month (digital access only).
There’s never been a more important time to support independent journalism in SA. Our subscription packages now offer an ad-free experience for readers.
Cancel anytime.
Questions? Email helpdesk@businesslive.co.za or call 0860 52 52 00. Got a subscription voucher? Redeem it now.